Understanding the Importance of 2003 Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
The preservation of cultural heritage has been of crucial importance to societies worldwide. Cultural heritage includes tangible objects like artifacts, historical monuments, and natural landscapes, but also intangible expressions of cultural identity like traditional music, dance, rituals, and storytelling.
In 2003, the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention was adopted to safeguard and promote cultural expressions that are not material, but play a critical role in maintaining diversity, creativity, and human identity. This article delves into the significance of this convention, its goals, and how it helps in preserving intangible cultural heritage.
Why is Intangible Cultural Heritage Important?
Intangible cultural heritage is an essential component of the cultural diversity of humanity. It provides a sense of identity and continuity for communities and offers a powerful tool for linking the past, present, and future. Intangible cultural heritage also fosters respect for cultural diversity and human creativity.
Intangible cultural heritage is at risk of disappearing or becoming lost due to several factors, including modernization, globalization, natural disasters, and armed conflicts. Therefore, its protection and preservation have become a pressing issue that requires attention.
The Goals of the 2003 Convention
The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted in 2003 with specific goals. These goals include:
1. To safeguard intangible cultural heritage
2. To ensure respect for the communities, groups, and individuals who create, maintain and transmit intangible cultural heritage
3. To raise awareness about the importance of intangible cultural heritage and its role in sustainable development
4. To encourage international cooperation and assistance for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage
5. To recognize intangible cultural heritage as a means of fostering dialogue among cultures and promoting mutual respect
What is Included in the Convention?
The 2003 Convention outlines guidelines for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. It provides a definition of intangible cultural heritage and identifies measures that can be taken to safeguard and promote it. The Convention also establishes a List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, which includes elements that are at risk of disappearing and require immediate attention.
The Convention also promotes the development of inventories of intangible cultural heritage, including knowledge, skills, and practices, as well as the implementation of programs and projects for the safeguarding of this heritage. It encourages the participation of communities, groups, and individuals who maintain and transmit this heritage, and stresses the importance of their active involvement in safeguarding it.
Examples of Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage
There are several examples of successful safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. In Uganda, the Bigwala and Amagunjju traditional music and dance were at risk of disappearing due to a lack of interest from young people. However, the Ugandan government and other stakeholders took measures to promote awareness and create programs to teach traditional music and dance to the younger generation.
In Brazil, the Roda de Capoeira, a traditional martial art, was recognized as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This recognition led to increased awareness and respect for this cultural expression and helped in safeguarding it.
In Italy, the Opera dei Pupi, a traditional puppet theater, was included in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. This inclusion helped in raising awareness and implementing measures to preserve this cultural expression.
In Conclusion
The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is an essential document that promotes the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. This heritage is a crucial factor in the identity and continuity of societies worldwide. The Convention outlines measures that can be taken to safeguard and promote this heritage, including inventories, programs, and projects for preservation. The inclusion of cultural expressions in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding is critical to raising awareness and promoting action for the protection of these elements.
